History of Pipes and Drums
At the United
States Naval Academy
The U.S. Naval Academy Pipes and Drums is an approved BSA
(Brigade Support Activity) at the
United States Naval
Academy and, as such, is the only active duty pipe band in the
Department of the Navy. We are also one of only three active duty
pipe bands in the United States Armed Forces, one being the
Pipes and Drums
of the Corps of Cadets at West
Point, and the second being the
Air Force Reserve Pipe Band at Robins AFB in Warner Robins, GA.
Though there have been several attempts in the past to form a pipe
band at USNA, the last occurring as recently as 1993, none of them
bore fruit. The current band began unofficially in the summer of
1995 when several midshipmen set the process in motion again. After
a year of organization & conducting lessons on an informal level,
the band became an officially recognized BSA in the Spring of 1999.
The principal financial support for the band came from the Class of ‘61, whose generosity
made this band possible. They provided the funds required to purchase all the equipment, uniforms
and instruments. We could not have done this without them. Our regular operating expenses are covered
by funding received from the school, Midshipman dues, and money raised by band members.
Membership in the band is limited to current members of the Brigade
of Midshipmen. Although the band has Commissioned and
Non-Commissioned Officer advisors, and civilian instructors,
midshipmen are responsible for all band operations, in addition to
performing as musicians. There are currently 49 members of the band,
ranging in ability from beginners to advanced students. Our band is
composed of 1 Pipe Major, 25 Pipers, 1 Drum Major, 13 Drummers and 9 Highland Dancers.
See our mission statement for an explanation of the role we play in the
Brigade.
The U.S. Naval Academy Pipes and Drums would like to
express its appreciation to the United States Naval Academy Class of
1961 and thank them for their continued support. Without their
generous contributions, this band would not be possible.